Who is at Fault if You’re in a Car Accident While Using Uber?

Smartphones have revolutionized the world we live in, particularly through the use of applications—or apps. One of the new innovations that has become indispensable for residents in many big cities is the development ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft, with Uber being the most popular.

In essence, Uber is a taxi service that employs anyone that can pass a background check. This application’s popularity is largely tied to the convenience that it provides to riders. For example, imagine you’ve spent the night out at a bar with friends and realize that you are too intoxicated to safely and legally operate a vehicle. Instead of waiting on the sidewalk to hail down a passing taxi, you can simply open your Uber app and arrange for a driver to bring you home within minutes.

The rise in popularity of apps like Uber is widely considered to have helped curb several negative aspects of transportation, including a drastic reduction in DUI offenses and alcohol-related crashes. In addition, many consumers love this application because it is much easier to get around town and there is no need to pay hefty parking fees for your own vehicle.

Uber Accidents

As is the case with most things in life, Uber is not perfect, and neither are its drivers. Therefore, as a passenger in an Uber-operated vehicle, you may be involved in an accident at some point. Since each crash has a specific set of circumstances that led to the incident, there is no blanket rule for how to handle these situations as a passenger. However, you should know the steps that you should take if you are ever injured while being transported in an Uber vehicle.

Generally speaking, Uber will ask you for a review of your experience shortly after your ride comes to an end. If you were involved in an accident and did not sustain any injuries, you’ll likely just receive your money back for that trip and a phone call from Uber’s insurance company in a few days. If you are injured at all, whether it be minimally or severely, you need to wait for the police and report what happened. It is usually a good idea to wait for the police in any event, but you may feel inclined to leave the scene if you are in walking distance of your destination and did not sustain any injuries. However, even if you did not sustain any injuries, you could still qualify as a witness. Relaying your recollection of the event could help those who are involved receive appropriate financial compensation.

One of the most common mistakes people make after an accident is assuming that they are okay because they do not feel immediate pain. Often times, the true effects of an accident aren’t felt until a few days after the incident. Therefore, it is crucial that you give police your side of the story if you feel as if the accident was more than just a minor fender-bender. As an Uber customer, you are entitled to compensation from the company if one of their drivers causes you to be injured during a trip. After a Maryland Uber accident, call an experienced personal injury attorney like the ones at DuBoff & Associates, Chartered as soon as possible so they can review the details of the incident and help you proceed accordingly.